Badminton Legend Cheah Soon Kit Honoured at Asia Influencer Awards 2026
Thomas Cup hero Datuk Cheah Soon Kit received the Leader Award at the Asia Influencer Awards 2026 and says he still backs the national team.
Former national men's doubles player and 1992 Thomas Cup hero Datuk Cheah Soon Kit has received the Leader Award at the Asia Influencer Awards 2026, recognition for what he has achieved beyond the badminton court. He called it one of the most meaningful awards he has received outside sport.
Cheah describes himself as semi-retired and says his focus now is mainly on trading-based businesses, after stepping into entrepreneurship and taking some time off. He has no plans at the moment to return to competitive play or to open his own badminton academy, though he still follows the major tournaments, especially those involving the national team.
Looking at the current squad, Cheah noted that Malaysia did not do too well at the Asian Games in Nagoya and said he hopes the players can recover and come back strong, adding that badminton will always be in his heart.
Source: The Star